76ers Hardly Look Same in Loss to Bucks

Even though it’s early in the season, the constant losing is taking a toll on the Philadelphia 76ers.

Glenn Robinson matched his season-high with 34 points and Sam Cassell scored a season-high 29, including 25 in the second half, as the Milwaukee Bucks dealt the 76ers their seventh consecutive loss, 96-80, Friday night.

“There’s only two ways we can go from here, up or down,” Philadelphia’s Aaron McKie said of the team’s longest losing skid since 1996-97 when they dropped 13 in a row. “It’s not coach’s decision. Ultimately, it’s up to us to find a way to get it together.”

The game was the first of the season between the two teams that met in the Eastern Conference finals last season. The 76ers won that series in seven games, but they are far from the same squad.

“How can anyone say we’re good right now?” asked 76er Coach Larry Brown. “Every game I see the same things happening and don’t see them changing.”

Milwaukee Coach George Karl sees a difference in Philadelphia’s defensive play.

“Their defense is not as talented as last year,” Karl said. “[Former 76ers] Tyrone Hill and George Lynch were really tough defenders and hustlers and really made us work.

“Last year, they had a way of beating us with their defense.”

Hill and Lynch were traded in the off-season, with Matt Harpring and Derrick Coleman taking their spots.

Tim Thomas had 16 points for the Bucks and Darvin Ham tied a career-high with 13 rebounds for Milwaukee, which has won three of its last four.

“I was really looking forward to this game,” said Ham, remembering his poor play in Game 7 of last year’s conference finals. “I knew I had to do something tonight. I feel vindicated.”

Allen Iverson shot only seven of 22 from the field for 17 points and McKie and Coleman each scored 16 for the 76ers.

Eric Snow returned to the 76er lineup after off-season surgery on his right ankle and surgery on his left thumb after he injured it during the exhibition season. He played 31 minutes and had 14 points and five assists.

Also returning from injury was Coleman, who missed three games with a hyperextended left knee.

A fast-break dunk by Thomas with 10:40 left in the fourth quarter gave Milwaukee a 72-63 lead. The Bucks extended their lead to 17 on a jumper by Cassell that made it 86-69 with 5:26 left.

In the third quarter, Cassell, who also had 11 assists, scored 16 of Milwaukee’s 24 points and Robinson scored the other eight as the Bucks opened a 68-62 lead entering the fourth.

Ray Allen left the game in the third quarter with left knee tendinitis and did not return. He finished with seven points and three assists.